ISLAMABAD (PR): The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) has formed a new Scrutiny Committee to investigate the affairs of the Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA) and evaluate the affiliated basketball clubs.Initially, Mahfooz-ul-Haq was appointed as the chairman of the committee. However, due to personal reasons, he excused himself from the position. Consequently, the PBBF reconstituted the committee, appointing Mohammad Ashfaq as the new chairman. The committee also includes Islam Khan Niazi and Wasim ur Rehman as members.The newly formed committee has been tasked with thoroughly scrutinizing the operations and governance of the KBBA. The PBBF has expressed confidence that the committee will conduct a comprehensive review and submit its findings in a timely manner.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The All Islamabad Junior Full Contact Martial Arts Championship concluded at the Capital Arena, Mega Zone F-9 Islamabad under the banner of Islamabad Sports Board in collaboration with Full Contact Martial Arts Islamabad. The boys and girls from various local Martial Arts clubs of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in different weight categories competitions.Bushra Iqbal Rao, Director of the Islamabad Sports Board and Development Office of the Commissioner Office Islamabad graced the closing ceremony as chief guest along with Sports Secretary Islamabad Chaudhry Mohammad Afzal and Associate Secretary Ramzan Kasuri.Grand Master Muzmal Mehboob and Shimok from the management of Capital Arena were the hosts of championship while MegaZone, Sensei Ibrahim from Risalpur served as the referee with the team of Corner judges included Sajid Hasan, Nauman Akhtar, Ali Khan, and Zia ul Haq, while Senior Master Entakhab Alam led the Supreme Jury.Participants demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, earning praise from spectators and officials alike. Trophies, medals, and cash prizes were awarded to the successful competitors by Director Sports, who congratulated the event organizer Qamar Nadeem and his team for the well-executed championship and their dedication to promoting self-defense training among youth.Director Sports assured continued support for such initiatives and reiterated the Islamabad Sports Board's commitment to developing a comprehensive plan to promote not only martial arts but all sports across Islamabad. This plan aims to elevate sports at both national and international levels, fostering a healthier society and enhancing Pakistan's reputation in the global sports arena. 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Anas Ali Shah has won the title of the Jahangir Khan PSA Satellite Series 2024 after beating Saddam-ul-Haq in straight games 3-0 in the final at the PN Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in Karachi. In a thrilling men's final, Anas Shah outpaced fellow Pakistan Army player Saddamul Haq 3-1, dominating the match from start to finish. After losing the first game 5-11, Anas made a strong comeback and won the next three games by 11-5,11-6,11-8 to claim the title in 32 minutes. In the U-17 category, Adnan Zaman showcased exceptional skill, defeating Zuhaib Khan 3-0 to claim the title. The finals were graced by squash legend Jahangir Khan and Atif Wasi, who distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. Jahangir Khan said: "We have a wealth of squash talent in Pakistan, and we're working to provide them with maximum international exposure to help them excel. However, we urgently need government and corporate investment to support these players and reclaim Pakistan's squash glory."

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Reigning Olympic men’s gold medallists Belgium recorded an astonishing victory over Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia, with Tom Boon netting a sensational hat-trick as the Red Lions triumphed 6-2 to move top of Pool B in an absorbing Olympic Games Paris 2024 hockey encounter.On a day that featured only men’s matches, India and Argentina were also winners in Pool B, while Pool A leaders the Netherlands were pegged back by Great Britain as the race for the quarter-finals heated up on a scorching hot day at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. Men’s Pool A: The Netherlands (7pts) finished Day 4 sitting at the top of the standings thanks to a 2-2 draw against Great Britain (5pts), who rescued a valuable point thanks to a brilliant late double from Lee Morton. “I don't score many” said GB’s Morton on his brace. “It’s my first Olympic goal, and I get to score two.” Third placed Great Britain sit one point behind second placed Germany (6pts), who bounced back from Sunday’s loss to Spain in brilliant style. Gonzalo Peillat (2), Christopher Rühr, Justus Weigand and Mats Grambusch all netted in a 5-2 win over South Africa (1pt), who are fifth in the table. “South Africa showed (by drawing against Great Britain on Sunday) that they can compete on the highest level”, said Germany scorer Rühr. “So we had to play our A-game today, and we played really well and scored five goals, which is not even undeserved.”Spain (4pts) ended the day occupying fourth place in Pool A having twice trailed host nation France (6th - 1pt) – who led early thanks to two wonderful goals from Timothee Clement – before a Pepe Cunill’s 51st minute penalty corner earned a 3-3 draw for the Red Sticks. “We obviously wanted to win this match because we would have had six points and would be in a very good position”, said Spain’s Cunill. Although we drew the match, we know that we gained a really important point that gives us more chances to qualify.” Men’s Pool B: Belgium (1st - 9pts) produced easily their best performance of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, crushing Australia (3rd – 6pts) 6-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Tom Boon and additional goals from Alexander Hendrickx, Florent van Aubel and Antoine Kina. The Red Lions thrilled the thousands of watching Belgian fans by securing their place in the competition quarter-finals, although Belgian midfielder Victor Wegnez was cautious in his post-match assessment. “I think we got lucky a few times, and while it is a great result it is only a pool match so we don’t want to get too excited”, said Wegnez, a gold medallist from Tokyo 2020. “It was just amazing to play in front of those fans. It was a pretty much a home crowd, which is the beauty of Belgium being so close to Paris.” Earlier in the day, eight times Olympic champions India (2nd - 7pts) – who are yet to face Australia and Belgium – claimed their second win of the competition, seeing off Ireland (6th - 0pts). Harmanpreet Singh scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over the Green Machine, a result which also confirmed their safe passage through to the quarter-finals. “It was a good result for us”, said India striker Sukhjeet Singh. “We played well in a structured way to stop the Ireland team, so we are very happy.”Rio 2016 gold medallists Argentina (4th – 4 pts) battled to their first victory in Paris, with New Zealand (5th – 0pts) being downed by goals from Tomas Domene and Lucas Martinez.

ISLAMABAD (faisal): Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 40 players from different departments for a national training camp, which will get underway here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex from July 31. The final selected team will participate in the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament.Pakistan Hockey Federation asked players to report to Camp Commandant Olympian Sheikh Usman at 2 pm on July 31 at the Naseer Banda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. Asian Men’s Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament will be held in Hollenbeur, China from September 8 to September 17, 2024.Names of invited players: Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan (Mari Petroleum), Muneebur Rahman (ZTBL), Ali Raza (Punjab), Mohammad Abdullah (Mari Petroleum), Ehtisham Aslam (ZTBL), Mohammad Sufyan Khan (Mari Petroleum), Imad Shakeel Butt (National Bank), Abubakar Mahmood (National Bank), Arshad Liaquat (Mari Petroleum), Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (WAPDA), Moin Shakeel (WAPDA), Mohammad Salman Razak (WAPDA), Murtaza Yaqub (WAPDA), Abdul Hanan Shahid (WAPDA), Ijaz Ahmed (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (Air Force), Osama Bashir (Air Force), Zakaria Hayat (Navy), Ghazanfar Ali (Customs), Hammaduddin Anjum (WAPDA), Roman (WAPDA), Abdul Rehman (WAPDA), Aqeel Ahmed (WAPDA), Abdul Manan (Customs), Arbaz Ahmed (Mari Petroleum), Afraz (Mari Petroleum), Basharat Ali (Navy), Mohammad Nadeem Khan (KPK), Junaid Manzoor (National Bank). Ahmed Nadeem (Punjab), Mohsin Khan (Air Force), Rao Arsalan (Pak Army), Waseem (Pak Army), Rizwan Ali (Air Force), Samin (Punjab), Aleem Usman (WAPDA), Faisal Qadir (National Bank), Shahzeb Khawar (Punjab), Hammad Ali (Navy), Abdul Rehman (Punjab Rangers). 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan registered its third consecutive win in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship after thrashing Kuwait in straight games 3-0 in Bahrain, as the final score-line was 25-19, 25-11, and 25-19. Earlier Green Shirts defeated South Korea and arch-rival India at the same venue.According to an official of the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF), the match, held today, showcased Pakistan's prowess as they won with a decisive 3-0 game sweep. The final score was 25-19, 25-11, and 25-19, reflecting the team's dominance throughout the game.With this victory, Pakistan has successfully won all three of their pool matches, securing the top spot in their group. The team has demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, making a strong statement in the tournament. Their victories against South Korea, India, and now Kuwait have propelled them into the next round with confidence and momentum.The victory over Kuwait solidifies Pakistan's position as a formidable contender in the championship. The team's comprehensive performances have earned them a place in the next round, where they will face Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) on August 1st, 2024, at 09:00 PM Pakistan time.The 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship features 16 participating countries, including Bahrain, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Lebanon, Philippines, India, Korea, Kuwait, and Pakistan.

London (PR): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms that Matthew Mott has stepped down as the England Men’s White-Ball Head Coach with immediate effect.The decision follows England’s recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where the team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by eventual winners India.Mott, who met with Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, last week, will leave his role after two years in office.Appointed in May 2022, the 50-year-old Mott enjoyed immediate success, leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in the autumn of 2022. Under his leadership, England achieved white-ball series victories against Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan.Assistant Coach Marcus Trescothick will take charge on an interim basis for the rest of the home summer. In September, the team will play a white-ball series against Australia, which includes three Vitality IT20s and five Metro Bank ODIs from 11 to 29 September.Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket and me personally, I would like to thank Mathew for all he has done for the team since his appointment. He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a Men’s World Cup with England.“After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team's future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.“The search for a full-time replacement will now begin. It is essential that we go through the right process to ensure we get the best person for the job.”Matthew Mott, said: “I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour. We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories."Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world.”England Men’s Interim White-Ball Head Coach, Marcus Trescothick, added:“I am looking forward to working with Jos Buttler, the players and coaches over the next few weeks. The focus is building towards the series against Australia and our plans for next year’s Champions Trophy campaign.“England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available. It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Mathew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

Sports Bulletin ReportPanama (Bahrain): The Pakistan U18 Volleyball Team showcased a stellar performance, securing a commanding victory over India in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship here on Monday. In a highly anticipated and closely watched match, Pakistan defeated India with an impressive scoreline of 3-0. The final score-line was 25-20, 29-27, and 25-15.This victory marks a significant achievement for Pakistan, as the team exhibited outstanding skill and determination to triumph over their traditional rivals. The match was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff.Key performances by players like Ajmal Junaid, Abubaker, Mohammad Yahya, and Mohammad Anas were instrumental in securing this win. Their exceptional play and coordination on the court were key to Pakistan's success.The victory against India has not only uplifted the spirits of the team but has also brought immense joy to volleyball fans across Pakistan. The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the team and urges the media to highlight this significant achievement.Pakistan’s next match is scheduled against Kuwait on 30 July 2024 at 09:00 PM Pakistan time. The team is determined to continue their winning streak and bring further glory to the nation.

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): A 14-year old Japanese skateboarder with no major sponsorship swept aside all before her in Paris become the new Olympic champion in Women’s Street Skateboarding.Coco Yoshizawa from Kanagawa won top honours after holding off a spirited challenge from 15-year-old compatriot Liz Akama who briefly took the reins from Coco before having to settle for silver when the new champion pulled her first ever competitive bigspin kickflip frontside boardslide on a handrail to retake the lead and gold with a single Best Trick still to spare. In bronze came 16-year-old Brazilian star Rayssa Leal, who was 13 points off the pace at the end of the Run section but brought the large and vociferous Brazil contingent in the packed stadium in Place de la Concorde to fever pitch with a comeback of her own.

Paris (France): With the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium bathed in sunshine, the women’s team of Belgium, Germany, Australia and Spain all secured victories in their first matches at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In the men’s competition, Germany suffered defeat at the hands of Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands emerged triumphant, and South Africa and Great Britain played out a pulsating draw.Women’s Pool A: Belgium started their Olympic campaign with a hard fought 2-1 victory over China thanks to a superb, roofed finish from Charlotte Engelbert with five minutes remaining. “There were good things and bad things”, said Belgium’s Emma Puvrez on the occasion of her 200th international appearance. “China is a very good team to play against, they're very technical as well as physical so it was a difficult start for us.”Germany also began their quest for gold positively as goals from Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz secured a 2-0 win over Japan. "We created loads of chances but they defended really well”, said Stapenhorst. “I think we're just glad that we got this tournament started."Germany and Belgium moved level on points with Day 1 winners the Netherlands, with the Oranje’s superior goal difference keeping them top of the standings. Women’s Pool B: Australia and Spain kept pace with Day 1 winners Argentina by snatching narrow wins against South Africa and Great Britain respectively. The Hockeyroos fought back from a goal down to beat the African continental champions, with Stephanie Kershaw and Tatum Stewart on target to give the three-time Olympic gold medallists a 2-1 win. "It was very tough”, said Australia’s Kaitlyn Nobbs. “They came out with a lot of energy and we tried to match it. But I think we built really well into the game and eventually got the results."Rio 2016 gold and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Great Britain suffered defeat in their competition opener, with Barcelona 1992 gold medallists Spain earning a 2-1 triumph courtesy of early goals from Laura Barrios and Lola Reira."[Great Britain] compete very well in these kinds of tournaments”, said Spain’s Reira. “This match was important because it was the first one, but also because we faced them. They have a lot of experience and it gives them strength."Men’s Pool A: Spain recorded the most eye-catching result of the day with a superb 2-0 victory over Germany, with goals from Jose Maria Basterra and Pepe Cunill kickstarting the Red Sticks’ Olympic challenge. The result left Spain sitting fourth in the table, level on points with Germany who are third due to their superior goal difference.The Netherlands sit proudly at the top of Pool B thanks to a comprehensive 4-0 win against France, with the home fans once again making an incredible noise throughout the contest. Tijmen Reyenga, Koen Bijen, Jonas de Geus and Duco Telgenkamp all netted for the Oranje, with Bijen describing scoring his first Olympic goal as “a really special and emotional moment, with my family watching in the stands”.The contest was also noteworthy for being the first Olympic hockey match to feature mixed gender on-field umpiring teams, with Irene Presenqui (ARG) and Sean Rapaport (RSA) calling the contest. More details about this story can be found here. Great Britain ended the day second in Pool A after a late penalty corner deflection from Rupert Shipperley snatched a 2-2 draw against South Africa. Despite being disappointed on missing out on all three points, South Africa’s Dayaan Cassiem felt proud of his team’s performance. “Our energy was much better today, I think we really came out firing”, said Cassiem. “I’m really proud of the boys. Men’s Pool B: In the day’s only Pool B match, reigning Olympic champions Belgium overcame a monumental challenge from New Zealand’s Black Sticks to emerge 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Alexander Hendrickx and Florent van Aubel. The result puts Belgium clear at the top of the pool, although they have played a game more than nearest rivals India and Australia, who are both in action on Monday (29 July).Notable figures in attendance on Day 2 included Spanish royals Leonor, Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofia as well as Bollywood actor Amol Palekar, Spanish National Olympic Committee President Alejandro Blanco Bravo and Chris Jenkins, the President of the Commonwealth Games. (PR)